Post by Men of Skye on Jul 22, 2010 16:36:52 GMT -6
The child was born early morning September 12, 1330. He was a healthy, strong infant, of average size and especially agreeable temperament. He did not cry to be fed during the night nor did he wake yelling for attention. Albert simply waited and smiled at whoever came to care for him that day.
His complexion was darker than his Mother and he had her light blond hair. Dark blue at birth, his eyes began to change at age two until he had the typical Maubrey sea-green eyes. Those who whispered that the child’s father was du’Chere had their suspicions confirmed. Beka herself had no doubts at all.
Albert began to walk by his first birthday, spoke over fifty words in simple sentences and took charge of his feeding spoon with a decidedly right hand. In all, he was a bright, cheerful little boy who learned what not to do after any single mistake.
Early in the year 1333, Rebbeka took her son along to Turas Lan where she had opened a perfumery. To help teach Albert to speak English without accent and keep him safe at the same time, she paid the Lynch family to foster him for a while, at their farm land holdings.
Little Albert learned more than language while at Dora and Clovis’ home. Observant and quick, little du’Chere now knew how a boy ought to greet his dad, how to play with children not court born and that a mud fight with your brothers was fun.
His first language was French, spoken correctly to him by the nanny Nanette. The middle aged caregiver came highly recommended by others who were in Rebbeka’s social circle. Nanette came to the new home in Lewis/Harris to keep the child’s accent pure. It made for a good balance for Albert.
The young du’Chere family had many friends near their ages with children of their own, so that son, Albert, made friends among them, easily. He was generous sharing his toys with visiting young folks, and it was at this age his natural leadership talent began to become evident.
There were certain characteristics that Albert began to display.
Albert seemed to have a purpose to his energies and tended to be very resolute in figuring out simple puzzles. He will not give up on trying different techniques and would be very upset if anyone interrupted his activities. Interaction with the world around him and testing behavior; saying no to him often resulted in testing behavior limits. Telling him not to do something, often resulted in the opposite effect, sometimes including a humorous response. He watched his parents’ reactions to negative behavior and would sometimes be amused by the increased attention, raised voice, or emotional response. Soon James, Beka, and Nanette conformed to his mannerisms and used their intelligence to outwit him.
Whether he was dismantling his toys or dissecting the inside of a daisy, he was meticulously learning about his environment in a tireless way.
He became very sensitive to emotional reactions from others and tended to develop a compassionate response much earlier than his peers. He understood the concept of pain early on, and learned pain avoidance very easily. He also began to develop a compassionate way of interacting with others as well as animals, especially horses, to which he seemed naturally comfortable.
Albert was intrigued by Nanette reading to him, and took to love books. Before fifteen months old, Albert took to attempting to read, using his vivid imagination as cues to fill in the blanks where they are unable to read more complex words and phrases.
Whether by nature or nurture — Albert’s genius was genetically inherited or the product of stimulating and supportive home. It was James who took down a chess set and placed it before Albert at just two years old. But it was not with a child’s direct eagerness, but carefully and intelligently. James soon began a regular chess time with his son, games enjoyed by both.
Albert opened their game this night as he usually did, with his King’s pawn. His small hand played the pawn up two squares. “Da? Will you play chess with the King when he comes visiting? Will you allow me to watch and learn?” He did not mean chess strategies, but how to get along with the royal adult guest. “Be most sure not to sacrifice without a clear and adequate reason.” Almost three and he spoke double meaning sentences in perfect French. Was it true as the ladies said this child was born with a very, very old soul?
James would chuckle and pull his son into his lap. “Albert, should the King desire to play chess with me, then I shall oblige… but he too is a great strategist…” his hand rubbed the boy’s back lightly. “You may watch and learn… but I shall give you some fatherly advice… and should yu nay understand, I pray tell me so…”
Canting his head, and readjusting the boy as to look at his face. “You should act creatively and with initiative. Do nay despair thinking that creativity and initiative cannot be learned, for they can… Collections of puzzles and books on tactics will train your mind in these qualities.”
James smiled and looked down to the chess board. “Whether your game is chess or life, if you aspire to mediocrity, by all means, play passively. Take no chances. Make the obvious move. Surprise no one, least of all yourself. But if you value something more, then consider the move that is bold; push the pawn to its death; be daring. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”
James smiled and leaned down, moving his Pawn revealing his Queen. “The most exciting of all tactical combinations involve sacrifices. Lose the Queen, win the game... This is true of more than chess. Success in school, business, and social relationships involves sacrifice.” He looks to Beka and smiles. “If you strive only to take more than you give, you will end up poorer than when you started. But give wisely. Gratuitous sacrifice is either stage bluster for the haughty or defeatism for the weak and ignorant.”
Looking back to Albert, James smiled. “The weak are powerful. The strongest rook will cower, if attacked by a pawn. The well-placed pawn may transform into Queen and become mistress of all she surveys.” He looked back at Beka and smiled again, then patted Albert upon the back. “The downtrodden will rise up and vanquish the tyrant. Hence, the wise will respect all players upon the boards of chess and life. Everyone has an integral role, and the role often changes.” James moved his Pawn and took Albert’s Knight.
Albert moved his Rook to his Father’s King. “Check Papa…” Kissing the boy’s forehead… “And lastly my son… We improve our chess game more by studying our defeats, not our wins. Rare is the life that proceeds with one win followed closely by the next. Even the most successful will often have a past strewn with interim failures.” Then James moved his Bishop and put Albert’s King in danger… “Check Mate…” and offered the boy a wicked grin. Albert slid off his father’s lap and went to sit with his Mother, shaking his head.
Risks of Parenting
Rebbeka inched closer to the nursery door, for she wanted to know how her brilliant son was doing with his lessons. Only glowing reports ever came from Nanette, of course. Beka had to hear the boy in action, coming up with his words far too wise for his age. What she was to discover was enough to make her temper steam.
"Now, when you speak to the King, remember he is not our King; this is not our home in France. Do not lower your heard and say these words, without hesitation..."
"What is this!" Duchess du’Chere could not contain herself. "This is our home! Albert! Go see the cook; she will have your snack ready. You may sit with her until I come for you." Beka swept into the cheerful toy- strewn chamber and gently guided her son to exit. "I will not be long."
Then with one elbow, Beka slammed the door, grabbing the retreating Nannette by the arm, her grasp firm enough to cause bruises. "Now. Now, tell me what you would have my son be saying to King Adam! Not our King? What kind of nonsense is this?" She shook the nanny enough to get her attention and some respect.
"I did tell Albert a few harmless comments. He is really a bright child, your Grace. I just wanted his brilliance to be noticed." Weeping did no good with Rebbeka, so the French woman did not even try it. "When we go back home, all France will honor him; he will be a page in the court, with a brilliant future." She did not mention that her reputation for education of the very young would be made.
"We are going to take a little walk, missy. You and I are going to discuss this with the Duke." Beka continued to hold onto Nanette's arm and urged her along with a forceful jerk when the nanny tried to lag behind. "Home indeed! This is Albert's home and you best get that straight. As for going 'home', we shall see about that!"
In the courtyard, James was discussing plans for the defense of Lewis-Harris should the controversy in England spill over to Skye, and on to the Isle. Nodding his head and rolling the map, he handed it back to the Foreman. “I want Lady Aegraine’s plans used. She is a skilled Engineer and the King trusts her… as shall I…” the man bowed and moved away, just as Beka walked up almost dragging Nanette behind her.
James smiled and bowed slightly… “Madam…” he said in a soft French accented voice.
“Pardon, I would speak to you, but later will do as well." Rebbeka put one arm about Nanette's waist, holding the nanny calm and in place as she spoke. "Nanette has expressed her longing to return to France. We three will discuss this when you are not occupied."
She escorted the nanny off to the side, at some distance and in hushed toned began to sit things aright. "Nannette? I want you to reinforce our ideals with Albert, that he respect our guests, his elders and yes, even a King who is not of France. If you wish to return to France, I can arrange that. But understand this, I will send my reviews for your future employments truthfully. Including this attempt to undermine our child's respect of a King." It was such a sweet face, that Beka, but there was no missing the fact that she was not to be toyed with.
Nanette clenched her hand into a tight fist and held it up over her mouth, as if to protect it from a slap. "Please. Your Grace. I was only trying to instill the loyalty to France that will be his future. I meant no harm." The rumors that Beka knew how to make poisons rattled about in the back of Nanette's mind, forcing her to weigh her words. She wanted to go back home someday, it was true. Home, wealthier, healthy and not shipped in a coffin!
"You are content with our employ? I will not hold you if it is your desire to go home. If it is that you miss your elderly Mother, I will send for her. At your expense, of course." There was no reply but Nanette's lowered head, like a lesser wolf to the alpha female. "Then, I will set this incident aside, I will give you a second chance. But if there is any, even the slightest, indication that you are teaching Albert against our ways, you will be dismissed." She said this in a kind, forgiving tone, as nice as pie.
Nanette knew she was here on Lewis/Harris for the duration, until little Albert was old enough to require tutors. To that end, the nanny did exactly as she was expected during her work day and at the day's end, in her evening prayers she asked the Almighty that he not send another child to the du’Cheres, at least until she was safe back in France, working at a new assignment.
James finished the discussions about protecting the Isle… and now was the time to visit his wife and give her time.
Later that day, Rebbeka started to write a letter to the Weapons Master and his wife, the Engineer. She had great hope the couple would come to visit and she could have a banquet, with dancing after. Especially the dancing.
James entered the study where Beka was writing… and he walked up behind her and placed his hands upon her shoulders. “Such nice handwriting my Lady…” he commented in her ear with a whisper. Sitting down in the chair next to her, he smiled. “Was there something you needed to speak to me about Nanette?”
"Do you think the King and Queen will enjoy a little dancing?" She looked up from notes and smile over to James.
Not the conversation he expected, but he did notice she was mentally busy. Then he laughed when she asked her question… and it was nothing regarding the nanny. “Why, aye, I think they do dance…” then he laughed. “He’s a Scot is he not?” then he laughed a bit harder’ his hand coveting hers with a slight squeeze…
